As one of the top juniors, not only in Ohio but in the entire nation, Middletown (Ohio) quarterback/athlete Jalin Marshall had a lot of expectations coming into the season. Marshall got things started with a bang on Saturday night at Dayton Welcome Stadium as he rushed for 187 yards and a touchdown on 37 carries in a thrilling one-point win over Huber Heights Wayne.

"It was awesome," said Marshall of the atmosphere. "The crowd was in it the whole time and the fans stood behind us, even when we were losing. You always have to give (credit) to them. I love my fans and I love my team. We just came out and played hard and played to the whistle and won the game and that's all that matters."

For Marshall and his teammates, the opening win was extra special as Wayne ended Middletown's undefeated season a year ago in the first round of the playoffs.

"It feels great that we got our revenge," he said. "I get to go home tonight and sleep. I'm busted up, I've got scratches but it doesn't matter. I'd play with a broken leg, as long as we got the victory, that's all we needed to do."

With some big-time offers already, Marshall says he hasn't put too much thought into recruiting as he wants to stay focused on his junior season. Still, the electric playmaker does know of two unofficial visits he will be taking this fall.

"Right now I'm just trying to stay focused on the season and help my seniors get to week 15 this year," Marshall said. "As far as recruiting goes, I'm sure I'll get a lot of calls in the next few weeks. I think I'm going to Ohio State against Akron next Saturday and (Notre Dame) against USC."

Analysis:

As always, Marshall was absolutely electric on Saturday night. His burst, agility, and straight line speed are simply on a different level than most high school athletes. Marshall also comes into the season bigger and stronger than he was a year ago and because of that, he's becoming an effective runner between the tackles as well as he can really handle contact.

In the open field, there is simply is nobody better in the state of Ohio, regardless of class. Marshall can cut on a dime (as seen in the first clip of the video) and hits top speed in the blink of an eye. The only concern for Marshall is the pounding he is likely going to take this year against some of Ohio's best competition. While 37 carries may not be the norm, he will certainly carry the ball more than 20 times per game and that will mean a lot of wear and tear. If he stays healthy, he will have a chance to be in the discussion for Mr. Football this fall, something that is extremely rare for a junior.